The ARS Culture Collection is one of the largest public collections of microorganisms in the world, containing approximately 93,000 strains of bacteria and fungi. The collection is split into subcollections of molds, prokaryotes, and yeasts. In addition, the online catalog is searchable by genus, species, subvar type, and subspecies.

The collection is housed within the Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology Research Unit at the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research in Peoria, Illinois. The scientists and staff of the ARS Culture Collection conduct and facilitate microbiological research that advances agricultural production, food safety, public health, and economic development. These goals are pursued through in-house research that improves understanding and utilization of microbiological diversity and through efforts to enhance the value and accessibility of microbial accessions in the Agricultural Research Service Culture Collection.